If you’re moving, acquired a lot more chickens than you bargained for, or want to upgrade your coop, keep reading! No matter the reason, moving to a new coop can be a little stressful at times. As a loving chicken keeper, you’ve probably worried about how well your flock will adjust to a new coop. A stressful move can impact a chicken’s health and even lead to a decrease in egg production. These concerns are valid, and a great reason to be strategic when moving your flock. Here are some tips for moving your chickens to a new coop!

Tips For Moving Your Chickens To A New Coop

Prepare The New Coop

The goal is to make the transition from the old coop to the new one as smooth as possible. Take time before you move your chickens to make their new coop as “homey” as possible. Sprinkle some shavings on the floor, bed up their nesting boxes, and set up their perches to make them feel right at home. Be sure to place their food and water where it’s easily accessible and in plain sight.

Prepare The Chickens

If you’re transporting your birds from one home to another, you’ll want to keep them in an enclosure for safety concerns. It is recommended to move your chickens early in the morning so you don’t have to chase them. You can also move them in the night to avoid this issue. Consider using wire cages or well-ventilated cardboard boxes for short moves. Prep the boxes with towels or some fresh bedding to keep them calm during the ride. You can place multiple chickens in each box but aggressive or more dominant ones should be kept alone.

Moving Your Chickens To A new Coop

Keep It Consistent

During your move, it’s important to still provide access to food and water to avoid additional stress. If you’re worried about spills in the car, you can mix chicken feed with water to create a paste that your flock can easily consume mess-free. Keep the windows cracked so your chickens can have access to fresh air. If it’s hot out, combine fresh air with some air conditioning so they can have the best of both worlds!

Load Them Into The New Coop

Place your chickens in their new coop immediately upon arrival. When unpacking your chickens, be sure to place the most dominant/ aggressive bird in the coop last. This gives the other chickens a chance to scan their surroundings without the intimidation. Although it may seem like a good idea to let them roam for a bit, it’s best to head to the coop first. The sooner you push your chickens to adjust to their new coop, the better. Let them settle into their coop for at least 24 hours after the move, then allow access to the run. Ideally, three to four days is a great amount of time to keep your chickens in their new coop.

How To Move Your Chickens To A New Coop

When it comes to moving your flock to a new coop, stress is the biggest thing you should aim to avoid. Consistency is key to make for a positive moving experience. Follow these tips to show your chickens support and compassion through every step of the process. These steps will help your flock feel comfortable with their new home and settle back into their hierarchy again in no time.